Page 57 of Hero's Heart

“I do. I appreciate you taking me to the market today, not to mention this crème brûlée and cappuccino. But the price you’re paying to give it to me is high, so let’s head back so you can relax.”

“I know you wish you could enjoy more of Europe.”

“Who knows, maybe there will be a return trip in my future under better circumstances.”

She hoped maybe he would suggest them coming back together, but he said nothing. She tamped down the sadness. Besides, who could blame him for not wanting to come back to where he’d been shot and stabbed?

She started to stand, but he placed a hand on her arm, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet pouch. “I wanted to give you something, a reminder of our time here together.”

Sloane’s breath caught in her throat as he opened the pouch, revealing a delicate silver necklace with an angel pendant, the very one she’d been admiring at one of the market vendors this morning. Tears welled in her eyes as he fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing against her skin with a tenderness that made her heart ache.

“Callum, it’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say.”

He smiled, cupping her face in his hands. “I can’t imagine anything else being more perfect for you to wear than an angel.”

If only he knew. She thought about telling him the truth right here and now, just to get it out in the open. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. It would ruin the time they had left.

She clutched the pendant in her palm. She would cherish it forever. “Let’s get back home.”

He smiled. “Your wish is my command.”

They paid the bill and were out the door a couple minutes later. Hand in hand, they walked, both of them torn between wanting to hurry to the bed waiting for them at home while also savoring this sweet moment together.

As they turned the corner of the side street the safe house was on, the burner phone in Callum’s pocket vibrated, shattering their tranquil moment. Sloane felt his grip tighten as he retrieved the device, his brow furrowing as he read the urgent message. The color drained from his face, and Sloane’s stomach twisted with dread.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Her voice trembled, fear creeping into her veins.

He turned the phone around to show her a text from Lincoln.

911. Safe house compromised. Get out NOW.

A second later, they heard the screech of tires as three cars pulled up in front of the safe house. Men piled out and into the building, leaving a couple out front to stand guard.

There was no way she and Callum would be able to get out of the alley they were in without walking past them.

Callum’s grip on her hand tightened, his senses heightened by the imminent threat. “We need to find a way out of here. This alley is a dead end.”

He leaned back, eyes scanning the alley, obviously searching for any means of escape. When his focus didn’t move past the rusted fire escape ladder clinging to the side of the building, she knew what he was thinking.

“Up there,” Callum gestured, his voice low and urgent. “We’ll have to climb.”

Sloane followed his gaze, her stomach churning at the thought of scaling the precarious ladder. But there was no timefor hesitation. Once the guys realized they weren’t inside the safe house, they’d come back out and start searching around here.

With a boost from Callum, Sloane grabbed the lowest rung, the metal biting into her palms as she hoisted herself up. Callum followed close behind, his movements swift and agile. They climbed in silence, their breaths coming in short, sharp gasps as they ascended to the rooftop.

Once they reached the top, he scanned the surrounding buildings. He pointed to a nearby rooftop. “We’ll have to jump. It’s the only way.”

Sloane swallowed hard, fear and adrenaline battling for dominance inside her. But Callum’s resolute expression was all the reassurance she needed.

With a deep breath, she took his hand, their fingers intertwining in a silent promise. They backed up, their eyes locked on the gap between the buildings. In that moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them and the leap of faith that lay ahead.

“On three,” he whispered, his voice a lifeline in the chaos.

He counted and they ran, their feet pounding against the rooftop as they raced toward the edge. Sloane’s heart soared as they launched themselves into the air, the wind whipping through her hair as they sailed across the chasm. For a split second, time seemed to stand still, suspended between the danger they left behind and the unknown that awaited them.

As they landed on the opposite rooftop, she stumbled, but Callum’s hand on hers steadied her. They paused for a moment, catching their breath and scanning the streets below for any signs of their pursuers. The men were coming out of the safe house and looking for them, but none of them were looking up. Callum had definitely made the right call.

They made it to the opposite side of the building then climbed back down that fire escape to exit on the much busierstreet. Callum put his arm around her and walked quickly out of the area.

---